Lagowska, B., Golan, K., & Stepaniuk, K. 2008 Distribution, host plants and life cycle of Porphyrophora polonica (L.) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in Poland.. Proceedings of the XI International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies, Oeiras, Portugal, 24-27 September 2007. ISA Press Lisbon, Portugal 322 pp.

Notes: Abstract: Porphyrophora polonica (L.) has been recorded from 32 localities in 10 regions of Poland. The greatest number of localities with this scale insect were found at Sandornierska Lowland 6 localities) and Roztocze (5 localities). In total, 655 colonies of P. polonica were detected, with more than 100 colonies being found at two localities. P. polonica occurs in psammophilous vegetation, most often on the waste areas formerly used for agriculture, which constitute an element of the agricultural landscape. Its presence was observed on four plant species, but mainly on Scleranthus perennis and Hieracium pilosella. P. polonica has one generation per year both in the field and under laboratory conditions. Four nymphal stages occur in the male development and three in the female development. The progressive disappearance of P. polonica in Poland has been observed and this species should be considered as an extremely endangered species. Some threats to Polish cochineal have been identified, namely secondary succession of psammophilous vegetation and human pressure. The strategy for the protection of P. polonica should be directed at habitat protection. Among the observed localities of P. polonica, four potential localities in three regions in Poland are suggested for protection.